Letter: Tony George is the problem

Friday, Oct. 1, 1999 | 2:05 a.m.

I am a big, hard-core race fan. All series, 20 years, never miss any race on TV -- except the IRL.

I talk to many race fans during the year. Many hate Tony George for what he did. They feel he is (trampling) on the tradition of his family and the Indy 500, pure and simple. And they don't ever plan to support him or the IRL.

It's hard to change perceptions. Tony -- and the IRL -- may never get over this PR hurdle. The Indy 500 may never get back its uniqueness and glory.

Many fans see the IRL as a series of wannabes and has-beens. What are you gonna say to a real racing fan? He thinks what he thinks.

The heart of a race fan is a thing not to scorn. Tony George did just that.

DEMETRI CHRAMOWICZ

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